Lunch with Former Players

2014/01/15

In what has become a tradition at Racing, following the initiative of club president Jacky Lorenzetti, another in the series of lunches with former players took place today at our HQ in Le Plessis. A rare moment of sharing and conversation over a fine meal at the club's family restaurant.

Among those present were some of the great figures of the 1990s: Patrick Serrière, (Racing 1985-95) who was captain when the Ciel and Blanc won the Bouclier de Brennus in 1990 and his second-row partner Michel Tachdjian (1981-93), tight-head prop Vincent (Momo) Lelano (1986-92), loose forwards Christophe Deslandes (1988-1995), and Frédéric Simiand (1991-93), and the hooker Philippe Dubreuille (1985-91).

As for the current players, Dimitri Szarzewski, Walter Desmaison, and Julien Brugnaut were also present, along with forwards coach Laurent Travers. "It is so important to be able to share moments like this," observed Szarzewski at the end of the meal. "We had a great time together, they told us a few of their anecdotes and we told a few of ours."

At one end of the table, conversation was certainly buzzing between front rowers Lelano, Desmaison and Szarzewski. ""It's awesome to be able to meet up with former players like that!" insisted the current Ciel et Blanc captain. "It makes us realise that even if we are from two vastly different eras, there is not much that separates us, and we still share the same values. They gave us some advice, and we will try and take inspiration from what they did in the past. It's all good!"